On this weekend of military remembrance, it seems timely to report that car enthusiasts turned out in force to support a variety of military veteran and active-duty organizations on Nov. 9, in advance of Veteran’s Day. Three shows generated tens of thousands of dollars and hundreds of pounds of food while putting plenty of horsepower on display.

Here’s a recap.

Corvette heaven

The Vettes for Vets show in Carlsbad is an annual presentation by the North Coast Vettes club and well organized by member J.D. Duncan. He was overwhelmed by the support given this year’s show.

He was expecting maybe 135 cars, but the registrations kept coming. By the 10 a.m. opening, there were 180 Vettes registered, including 15 cars from the first generation (one from 1954), four C7s (the 2014 model) and all colors and models. “We had it all, he said. “Corvette heaven, it was.”

There were six generations in red, white and blue parked in front of TGI Fridays. And there were flags all over representing the five branches of the military. During the awards presentation, 50 white doves were released to the music of "Proud to be an American."

Between registration fees, a silent auction and opportunity drawings (30 gift baskets), the club made close to $12,000 for its two charities: The Semper Fi Fund (at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton) and Cal-Diego Paralyzed Vets Organization.

“That's the most in the club’s 37-year history,” Duncan said. Last year the event raised $7,000.

Warriors United

The inaugural event for Warriors United was another success story. Organized by muffler specialist Ed Hanson, the show was open to all years, makes and models and was staged at Hawthorne Machinery in Rancho Bernardo.

More than 250 cars were on view, ranging from a towering and restored AM General M925 6X6 military truck to Ford Model Ts and plenty of trucks and customs.

The show raised around $45,000. The raffles (opportunity drawings) and live auction brought in more than $10,500 and there was an $11,000 donation by Heartland Fire & Rescue. Proceeds will go to the San Diego Warrior Foundation and Freedom Station.

Vets Cruzin

Vets Cruzin for a Cause is a veteran owned and operated charity organization that was started in San Diego and has expanded to Arizona and New Mexico. Founded by combat veterans Jacob Cruz-Ratliff, Kano Williams and Cody Brown they want to give back to their country, raising awareness through their vehicles that are customized as rolling tributes.

Their cruise from the Del Mar Fairgrounds to Coronado with a finale potluck in Balboa Park raised 200 pounds of food for the San Diego Coalition for the Homeless, Cruz-Ratliff said in an email. “35 cars turned out,” he said, “and two motorcycles came all the way from Joshua Tree to support our cruise.”

The group’s next event will be Jan. 11 with the C’bad Cars show (Carlsbad Premium Outlet mall) to collect coats, jackets, sweaters and blankets for distribution to the homeless. Details at Facebook.com/VetsCruzinForACause.